A united effort is underway this week to help the Timmins mine rescue team from Tahoe Resources Canada put in a good showing when the team takes part in the International Mine Rescue Competition (IMRC) being held in Russia later this month.

The Timmins team, aside from winning the Timmins District mine rescue competition held in May, also won the all-Ontario mine rescue competition in June. As such, the team was challenged to take part in the IMRC event happening in Ekaterinburg, Russia, from Sept. 22 to 29.

On Wednesday, Team Tahoe stepped up its game as members of the Timmins fire department were joined by mine rescue officers from across Ontario to provide intense speciality training to the Timmins mine rescuers. This took place at the Northern College fire training site.

Shawn Rideout, Ontario’s chief mine rescue officer, said Ontario Mine Rescue is regarded as one of the best mine rescue organizations anywhere in the world, but the additional training should prepare Tahoe mine rescuers for any unusual situation that might occur, with things such as structure fires or unusual first aid challenges for example.